Abstract:
Critical thinking is a requisite skill in both nursing education and nursing practice. Critical thinking is one of the required criteria for accreditation review in nursing programs. The trend in nursing education is to utilize a variety of active learning strategies to promote critical thinking. Nursing students and nurses work in clinical practice environments that demand active critical thinking skills.The purpose of this study is to evaluate nursing faculty perceived usefulness of eight strategies for teaching critical thinking to achieve clinical practice outcomes. The study utilizes a descriptive design based on Sullivan's (1992) Setting the Stage for Critical Thinking Model, which provides the conceptual framework.The sample will include instructors from three nursing programs in the Midwest that choose to participate in the study. The study participants will complete the Critical Thinking Methods of Instruction Assay. Demographic data will also be collected.Permission will be obtained from Ball State University and the participating nursing programs. All participant responses will be confidential and anonymous. No risks have been identified for this study.This study is significant as it provides the opportunity to learn more about the usefulness of the various methods that are being used to promote critical thinking skills among nursing students. Such findings can assist faculty in developing strategies which best facilitate students in utilizing critical thinking skills to achieve clinical practice outcomes.